Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 05, 2020: 

 
H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre:
“Through the passion and ambition of the UAE’s youth and the visionary policies of the wise leadership of our nation, we have realised the Arab dream of exploring Mars. The announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, to launch a programme for Arab youth to join the UAE in training for space programme and its related technologies is a confirmation of the leadership’s belief in the capabilities of Arabs. The new programme will support the young minds and give impetus to investing in advancing scientific and human development.”

“The UAE is leading the Arab movement while inspiring humankind in the space sector. In view of the UAE’s knowledge and expertise garnered in the sector over the course of many years, we understand that this is the right time to share our experiences with our Arab counterparts. Through such innovative programmes and collaborations, the UAE encourages the Arab youth to compete in the journey of development and innovation in the space sector and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge. The new programme will also allow the Arab youth to translate passion and ambitions in space science into reality. The UAE’s potential and varied programmes in the space sector under the leadership’s long-term vision can reinvigorate the rich history of Arab-Islamic scientific contributions to humanity. It is time for the Arab world to return to the age of scientific developments, achievements, and contributions for the sake of humankind's progress. Through these programmes and more, we can once again welcome the Arab-Muslim nations to the forefront of scientific leadership.”
 
 
H.E. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre:
“The UAE has been leading the space sector in the Arab world, through its national programme and various capacities built to support the field. The UAE is looking to further upgrade the sector and extend its cooperation to other Arab countries, which is essential to make space accessible to the larger Arab population and inspire new generations to take up challenges in this field. This vision is reflected through the announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai to launch a programme to train Arab youth in space technologies in the UAE. The platform opens the door for Arab countries to benefit from the experiences that UAE has garnered over the years. It also presents an opportunity for Arab nations to take advantage of the UAE’s scientific framework and pass it on to the ambitious Arab youth. The launch of the programme enables the UAE to become a role model for scientific progress and make investments in the economy of the future.'

'We have advanced scientific facilities, capable of developing the most complex projects in the space sector along with some of the most brilliant minds in the Arab world. The new programme will serve as an incubator for a new generation of Arab astronomers and space scientists that will contribute to human scientific progress. We are proud to be able to embrace these talents and give them new hope for their ambitions in the fields of science and space technology.'
 
Quote of Hazzaa AlMansoori:
The launch of the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope Probe” in less than two weeks will mark a space exploration renaissance for the Arab world. Astronomy has an important place in the landscape of Arab Islamic culture, and we are on track to bring that pride and glory back. Through the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE, we’ve made significant achievements in the field of space exploration. Through these space advancements, the goal of the UAE has always been to use space-based technology to foster national, regional and global development, because even as we look to the stars for inspiration, our feet remain firmly planted on Earth.

While the official objectives of UAE’s space journey are scientific in nature, we cannot overlook the mission of fuelling young Arabs’ interest in engineering and space science. We warmly welcome His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai’s announcement to launch a programme for Arab youth to join the UAE in training for space programmes and its related technologies. Beyond our borders and means of access, space has always been the common heritage of Arabs. The new programme will symbolise where we come from and where we wish to go.
 
Quote of Sultan AlNeyadi:

The launch of the first Arab interplanetary mission - the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope Probe”, shows the tenacity of the Arab Muslim world to go above and beyond where only a few dared to go. We thank the visionary and wise leadership for showing us that we are capable of such achievements. The Arab Islamic world’s contribution to space exploration over centuries have been extraordinary and it is time we revive those days that truly exemplifies that we belong.
We proudly welcome His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai’s decision to launch a programme for Arab youth in space and technology during such a crucial juncture of the region’s remarkable space journey. We are sure this programme will bring back the golden age of Arab Islamic scientific pursuits and motivate future generations of scientists who’ll spearhead the next mission to Mars or further beyond.